State Funding for Public Schools

Arguments for and against full sate funding of education:

For Full Funding By The State:

• Level (equal) playing fields for all the schools in the state
• Would help retain quality teachers in low-income areas
• Tax rates would become equal across the state to support education
• Would bring more resources, more teachers, and smaller class sizes to low income area schools
• State funding formula would be easier to understand
• States created educational standards, do they should fund them
• This will help create an “adequate” level of educational funding
• Smaller class sizes and better paid teachers will improve school performance and achievement

Against Full Funding By The State:

• High wealth areas would now feel at a disadvantage due to receiving less tax dollar than before
• Some schools would be getting less support and less supplies than before
• Higher taxes would be needed to fund Indiana schools
• Would take away resources, more teachers, and increase class sizes to high income area schools
• “Equity” in money doesn’t mean the level is appropriate for all concerned
• There isn’t enough state money available to fund all the standards
• This will create an “inadequate” level of educational funding
• Studies have shown that spending has little bearing on school performance and achievement